How important is it to see a neurologist?

I've been seeing a neurologist since I was in my early 20's. I had a super sensitivity to hormone changes which would cause me to have seizures whenever it was the time of the month. I've been on med's since I was I was 23 years old, and I've done well. I do visit the neurologist to make sure everything is OK and I've had to have my meds tweaked from time to time

I took my husband in 2011, tested etc. and then diagnosis. When I asked about medication and brochures and what to expect, the neurologist replied "See your family doctor."

I understand in 2021 it is much better. Our neurologist labeled everything "Alzheimer's." Our Physicians Assistant saw him last and she wanted him to see a neurologist and our Primary Doctor said it would be to difficult for my husband at this late time.

It doesn't matter to me - it's difficult no matter what. Fortunately meds started in 2011, ten years ago, and it helped immensely because now we're in the decline, but we had ten good years with meds.

Today I found that we are not eligible for Medicaid until we use our assets. This is problematic for many spouses to live on their measly social security. Sure am thankful I am not trusting the government for help.

dearstraits: If you do nothing, you don't have the option to see if your mother could be aided. A neurologist appointment SHOULD be scheduled. As well, if they require outside help, move forward with some plan of action as you're doing. Great job!

I took my parents to see several different neurologists and I thought it was a joke.

My parents felt humiliated and demeaned by the testing. I had no interest in putting them on more medications.

They lived out their lives, just fine, without the meds.

Their memory was not perfect, but they were perfect to me, just the way they were. They remembered the important things. Their memory was clearest when their stress was low.

My recommendation is to adjust your expectations instead of their medications. Love them. Value them.

This is a scary time for your mom. You will help her get through this if you tell her that it doesn’t matter, you love her completely, for who she is.

I’m presently going through memory issues with my 95-year-old dad. He lives in independent living and was told he doesn’t qualify for assisted living. He has been tested with a simple memory test twice. Once 6 months ago and passed with flying colors. We thought all was good. He was tested last week with the same test and flunked. Today, his doctor is going to perform a SLUMS memory test which I gather is the test to take. It has been suggested that following this test, he should have a CT scan of the brain and an MRI of the brain. A neurologist appointment has never been mentioned. The doctor said after these 3 tests, he will then know whether dad has age-related dementia, Alzheimer’s or depression dementia. He mentioned possibly a memory care facility. Dad can dress himself and get down for meals, but he’s confused about the difference between night and day and cannot tell the difference. The director of the facility said his brain is like Swiss cheese. The doctor also said medication for dementia rarely helps and he doesn’t recommend it. I hope my experience helps you. I know caregiving is hard and hard to know what is best. I also know my parents both appreciate all I have done for them. Everyone needs someone during the difficulties of aging!

I would like to give you an addendum following dad’s appointment yesterday. Based on what his doctor of geriatrics determined following the SLUMS memory test, he felt dad had age-related dementia. He recommended memory games such as a match game with cards and shapes. He said he found mind/memory games to improve memory. My dad plays sudoku and did well in the math portion of the test. Maybe a geriatric doctor would be a good option over a neurologist? Anyway, I hope you can find some help either by this forum or from the many articles on this site